[Elecraft] Considering KPA500/KAT500 Combo with Flex 6500

Wed Feb 15 16:35:13 EST 2017

Ken, From what I know, sounds like the line voltage may be low when keying down.  Measure it with the amp running if you can.  If it stays steady, you are ok.   I don't know your house wiring and fusing, check that.  #14 wire is good at 15 amps at the breaker and #12 is fused at 20 amps.  If the line voltage dips and nothing blows in the fuse box given these numbers, then might moving the tap.  The manual is clear on settings.  Depending on the line load and the house wiring size and fusing, then you might have to do a bit more.  My line voltage is closer to 125V and fused at 20, the amp stays above the 60 volts always and I run full power with SSB.  I left the default on my factory KPA500.  I think it comes set at the higher voltage.  

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Kevin - K4VD
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 3:22 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Considering KPA500/KAT500 Combo with Flex 6500

I feel like a kid with his first BB gun. Real nervous every time I pull the trigger. But so far things seem to be working as they should.

I hooked the Flex 6500 through the KPA500 to the KAT500 after doing all the setup stuff. My supply voltage is 120.7 VAC and HV reads 73.7 until I key down. I used the yellow tap. It drops to 54 V which seems kind of low. The book says less than 60 volts with reduced output power and as low as 40.
Not sure if I should move the tap from yellow to red. I'll leave it on yellow for now.

A quick test of input vs. output shows around 14 A max:

in    out
10    190
15    290
20    380
25    460
30    520

That was on 40 meters. On 20 meters the output is a bit lower with 500 being reached at 35 in. I'm setting the rig's max out to 35 watts.

I'm not using DDUtils or the new USB band data stuff from Flex quite yet. I just have the basic setup of keying and letting the auto-band detect do its job. So far so good I think.

Still some testing and getting over the nerves left to do. The antenna is a dipole except hex on 20.

Did anyone else almost jump out of their chair the first time the KAT500 tuned up? I'm having a good day! :)

73,
Kev K4VD

On Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 1:33 PM, Kevin - K4VD <kevin at k4vd.net> wrote:

> Thanks for your advice everyone. I just ordered the combo KPA/KAT package.
> Now comes the long wait.
>
> Is it here yet?
>
> 73,
> Kev K4VD
>
> On Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 12:06 PM, Al K0VM <al.k0vm at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> Kev,
>>
>>    I use Elecrafts KXUSBa USB to 3.5 serial for the KAT500 to PC/Flex.
>> And USB to RS232 serial for the KPA500 to PC/Flex ( the KUSB included 
>> now included with the KPA500 should work).
>>
>> AL, K0VM
>>
>> On 2/10/2017 10:37 AM, Kevin - K4VD wrote:
>>
>> Hi Al...
>>
>> This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. The "500 watt radio" is 
>> perfect. I think I'm about to place the order for the combo 
>> KPA/KAT-500. Do you know of any accessories/additional cables I will 
>> need? Also, as I set things up, would you mind if I hit you up with additional questions?
>>
>> Kev
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Feb 10, 2017 at 11:14 AM, Al K0VM <al.k0vm at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I find the KPA500/KAT500 a perfect match for my 6500.. The simple 
>>> set up is just a key line from the 6500 thru the KAT to the KPA.  
>>> With a couple of USB cables to the back of the 6500, both will track frequency/band changes.
>>> DDUtil will give you a bit more automation with the USB cables 
>>> attached to the PC instead.
>>>
>>> Its almost a plug and play, and almost acts like as a 500 watt radio 
>>> rather separate boxes
>>>
>>> AL, K0VM
>>>
>>> On 2/9/2017 8:49 PM, Kevin - K4VD wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi... with all the hoopla over the new $7K Flex amplifier I was 
>>> feeling a little power envy so went on a search for options. I own 
>>> an Elecraft KX3 and absolutely love the rig quality so I'm thinking 
>>> about the KPA500/KAT500 combination assuming I'll get the same quality equipment.
>>>
>>> Is anyone running this combination with the Flex 6500 who might 
>>> share their thoughts, configurations, hints & kinks?
>>>
>>> I'm thinking the combination makes sense for me because (my decision
>>> points):
>>>
>>> 1) Being a low power operator, 500 watts seems a lot more manageable 
>>> than a nuclear powered 1.5 KW setup. It seems like a good, safe step.
>>>
>>> 2) No electrician required. I think I can run it off 110 VAC already 
>>> in my shack.
>>>
>>> 3) If I understand correctly, there is little or no integration 
>>> effort required. I'm looking at putting it inline with the RF path 
>>> and adding a PTT connection. Voila.
>>>
>>> 4) The KX3 is able to easily tune my 600 ohm ladder line fed (via 
>>> 4:1
>>> BALUN) 80 meter dipole on any band so I would guess the KAT500 
>>> wouldn't have an issue.
>>>
>>> Is there a reason I shouldn't consider this setup with the Flex? The 
>>> only other thing that caught my eye was the ACOM 1010 which would 
>>> also require an external tuner.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Kev K4VD
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>
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